What different childcare options are there?

	Good quality childcare and early education is not only good for children; it gives parents more freedom to work, study or train for a job too. But juggling work with bringing up children is not easy. If you are struggling with this, you are not alone. What’s right for you and your child? There are lots of different options to consider when choosing childcare. If you would like your child to be settled in one location all day with other children of their own age and a skilled team of carers then day nurseries or playgroups may be the right solution. If you would like to have your child looked after by someone else or in your own home, then a childminder or home-based childcarer might be better, especially if you have a baby or a toddler under two. It is up to you as a mum, dad or carer to choose what you feel is right for your family and child.

What different childcare options are there?

There are many different types of childcare you can use. York Family Information Service have produced a short factsheet on the different types of childcare.

Childminders

Childminders are trained, self-employed carers largely based in their own homes. They are registered with Ofsted and both the childminder and their home are regularly checked. The exact number of children a childminder can care for is set by Ofsted however the maximum for one childminder is up to six children under eight-years-old. Childminders work across a range of hours so can often be worth exploring if your working day doesn’t fit the 9-5, Monday to Friday pattern or if you have children of different ages and you want them to be looked after together. You may also want your child to be cared for in a home environment by just one person. Childminders charge between £3 and £4 per child per hour but costs vary, so it’s best to check.

Some childminders are also able to offer the free early years entitlement. Not all childminders are able to offer this so it is best to check that your childminder is able to offer a funded place.

Day Nurseries

Day nurseries offer childcare and, in some cases, early education. They are for children between the ages of six weeks and five years and many offer out-of-school care for five to 11-year-olds. Opening times tend to coincide with a standard working day, 8am to 6pm on weekdays. Day nurseries charge between £150 and £200 for a full-time week but costs vary, so it’s best to check.

Nursery schools and classes

Nursery schools offer early education and are for children between the ages of three and five. They are open during school hours, normally only in term time for full or half-day sessions. Nurseries are free if part of a state education system (excluding meals and trips) but private ones charge £1,200 to £1,500 per term. As always it is best to check with the centre you’re interested in.

Pre-school and playgroups

Organised by community or voluntary groups, often with the help of parents, these usually offer early education places. They give your child access to different toys, equipment and activities and ensure they mix with other children. Sessions last between two-and-a-half to four hours and take place either every day or several days a week, during term time. They are for children aged between two and five years and cost around £5 to £9 per session.

Before and After School or Out-of-school care

Some clubs are open before and after school and all day during school holidays. They offer a quiet space for catching up with homework as well as plenty of fun activities for children between the ages of three to 14-years-old (and up to 16 for children with special needs). Many breakfast, after school and holiday play schemes are linked to schools. Some of which offer a variety of activities on top of the normal school day such as music, art, sport or additional study support. Costs range between £5 and £10 a day for after-school clubs; £1 and £4 for breakfast clubs; and around £90 to £130 a week for a holiday place.

Other options

• Parent and toddler groups - informal groups of parents and carers that meet locally with their children on a regular basis, usually including children who are under five.
• Nannies and Au-Pairs—provide childcare in your own home and can look after children of any age.
• Crèches—provide occasional care for children under eight.